Queen Latifah Honored By Essence Magazine

Queen Latifah will be the toast of Essence magazine next year when she’s honored for her career achievements at the publication’s annual Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon.

The star, real name Dana Owens, will be presented with the Power Award in recognition of her various ventures in music, film and TV.

Soul superstar Mary J. Blige will be named Songstress of the Year, while "Star Trek" actress Zoe Saldana will receive the Star to Watch honor and Gabourey Sidibe will be handed the award for Best Breakthrough Performance for her Golden Globe-nominated role in "Precious: Based on the Novel ’Push’ By Sapphire".

Essence’s editor-in-chief Angela Burt-Murray says, "We are proud to carry the Essence legacy into the future by honouring the accomplishments of such brilliant performers as Latifah, Zoe, Mary J. and Gabourey, whose incredible talent and sheer grit are serving to change the face of Hollywood."

The third annual event, honoring women of color who’ve made significant impacts on the entertainment industry, will take place in Los Angeles on March 4, just days before the Oscars.